Material choice
Compare systems, not only finished colour.
Concrete is a rigid surface and asphalt is flexible. The materials differ in preparation, jointing, edge behaviour, repair approach and how they meet existing surfaces. The right comparison depends on whether the area is a driveway, patio, walkway or vehicle apron and what it must connect to.
For a driveway, record vehicle loads, turning, road access and garage elevations. For a patio, record door thresholds, steps, landscaping, downspouts and pedestrian use. A single property may reasonably use different materials in different zones; the planning goal is to give each surface a clear job.
Site notes
Measure the boundaries and the immovable elevations.
Sketch the proposed area and mark buildings, retaining walls, fences, trees, utilities, drains and neighbouring grades. Photograph the route equipment would take to reach the work. Restricted access can change excavation, material handling and removal even when the finished patio is small.
- Approximate length, width and shape.
- Doors, steps and garage thresholds.
- Existing concrete, asphalt or landscaping.
- Downspouts, drains and low points.
- Vehicle, furniture or pedestrian use.
- Gates, slopes and equipment access.
Drainage first
A new rigid surface changes where rainfall can soak in.
The City of Mission’s planning information identifies impervious area as one of the topics that may be regulated through zoning or development review, and its storm-drainage information distinguishes enclosed urban systems from open rural channels. Those references do not determine the answer for a specific patio or driveway, but they explain why runoff and site context need to be checked.
Finished elevations should direct water away from vulnerable building areas without creating a problem at a property line, road, ditch or neighbouring surface. Door thresholds, garage slabs and existing drains limit the available grade. Where those constraints conflict, a paving quote alone may not be enough to resolve the design.
Written decisions
Make preparation, joints and transitions visible.
A clear scope identifies removal, excavation, supporting material, reinforcement approach when applicable, planned joints, finish, edges, transitions and disposal. It should also state who handles permits or engineering if they apply and how changes are approved when unsuitable material or buried conditions are found.
For a driveway, ask how the concrete meets the road, sidewalk, garage and any adjacent asphalt. For a patio, ask how it meets the building and landscape and how drainage will be maintained. Decorative choices should come after these functional decisions, not replace them.
Clarify protection and restoration beyond the new surface as well. Lawn, garden, fencing and existing pavement may sit along the equipment route or excavation edge. A complete proposal should distinguish included restoration from work the property owner will arrange separately, so the finished-surface price is not mistaken for a whole-property restoration allowance.
Before authorization
Use the proposal to confirm responsibility.
- What existing material is being removed and hauled away?
- Which elevations control drainage and transitions?
- How are joints located and what are they intended to manage?
- What finish and edge treatment are included?
- Who confirms access, zoning, permit or engineering requirements?
- How are discovered conditions and scope changes priced?
Primary sources